'Hard Knocks' to document Falcons, not Bears

HBO will document the Atlanta Falcons this summer on its training camp series "Hard Knocks," a revelation that ends speculation about the Bears being featured.

Bears officials did not want the series to document the team, but it met criteria the NFL can use to force a team to be featured if no club volunteered.

The Falcons announced in a tweet Thursday morning that they will be featured. Ken Hershman, president of HBO Sports, was quoted in an NFL news release as saying the Falcons agreed to participate in the show.

The documentary includes behind-the-scenes access to the inner workings of team operations, which could be viewed as a detriment to competitive advantage.

The Bears have maintained their preference to allow fans controlled access to the team at open practices during training camp in Bourbannais.

There will be some Bears angles at the Falcons' camp: Kick returner Devin Hester signed with the team during the offseason, and former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice serves as the Falcons' offensive line coach. The Falcons will host the Bears on Oct. 12.